Specialist Librarian

State Library of New South Wales

Specialist Librarian (Identified)

Library Services Division | Cataloguing and Collection Services

Librarian Grade 2, Ongoing Full Time

• Unique opportunity to join one of NSW's leading cultural institutions to help share the invaluable stories of Aboriginal cultures.
• Competitive remuneration package up to $132,584 p.a. (package includes salary between $103,089 - $116,969 p.a., plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Meet our Indigenous Engagement Librarian – Click to hear Melissa's story

To be considered for this position, you must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

About the State Library

The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest public institutions. Collecting actively since 1826, the Library preserves and presents the social, cultural and scientific history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future.

About the Role

The role is based within the Cataloguing and Collection Services Branch but works across the Library to analyse, interpret, arrange and describe complex information resources across all formats to provide effective reader access to, and discovery of, the Library's collections including those related to the culture and heritage of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders.

The role provides advice and support to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of collection acquisition, description, retention, management and discovery of Indigenous and non-Indigenous collections. This includes applying specialist knowledge on Indigenous collections to ensure that all work meets culturally appropriate best practice standards.

The role also works with the Indigenous Engagement Branch and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to make collections accessible, observing relevant protocols and cultural sensitivities.

The Ideal Candidate

The library is seeking an Aboriginal librarian with a background in cultural heritage, who is passionate about preserving and sharing diverse collection. To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:

• Substantial experience in managing the description of original or published materials, both analogue and digital, in a library environment.
• Knowledge and practical experience applying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resource Network (ATSILIRN) Protocols and other relevant guidelines and Indigenous Knowledge Frameworks
• Aboriginality and demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous people and communities.
• Qualifications acceptable for professional membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and/or Australian Society of Archivist (ASA), or other combination of qualifications and experience deemed by the State Librarian to be equivalent that meets the minimum standard of skill and knowledge inherent in the ALIA standard.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development opportunities, including study support and targeted training programs to further develop in your career.
• Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
• Wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Program, flu vaccinations, gym programs
• Staff engagement activities, such as workplace committees, a staff suggestion scheme, and all staff actively participating in the development of the Library's Strategic Plan.

How to apply

To apply for this role please complete the online application and provide the following:

• An up-to-date copy of your CV
• A response to the following questions. Attach your responses as part of your online application and/or as part of a cover letter (up to two pages) outlining how your skills and experience meet the key knowledge and experience and essential requirements for the role.

Please keep question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs and respond to the shortlisting questions in your own words - we're looking to understand your perspective, not answers generated by AI tools.

• Are you Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• This role involves significant engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities regarding collection access and cultural sensitivities. Describe your experience and approach to working respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities, highlighting any specific protocols or considerations you deem essential in a library context.
• The role requires appraising and describing complex collection materials across a range of formats. Provide an example from your experience where you successfully appraised or described a particularly challenging collection, outlining the steps you took, the formats involved, and how you ensured accurate rights management or access protocols were applied.

State Library of NSW welcomes and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQI+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and workers of all ages.

Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process. Please make a request by noting this in your application or contacting People and Culture at or on

Talent Pool

Applicants not initially offered a role but who have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.

Eligibility to apply

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Appointment to this role is subject to Pre-employment Checks. Additional checks may be required throughout your tenure at the Library should the accountabilities of your role change.

Further information that may assist you with applying for this role

Role Description (pdf)

Role Description (word)

Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service

NSW Public Sector Capability Framework

State Library Accessibility Guide

The Guide for applying for roles at the State Library of NSW will assist you in completing your application and provide you with an understanding of the selection process.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ed Vesterberg on

Closing date for applications: 27 October 2025 at 10am.